RMI officials have defended their decision to switch Leigh's glamour FA Cup tie with Millwall from Hilton Park to south London.

They are adamant that their major consideration in giving up home advantage was 'safety and security' and not making a financial killing.

"We had to be guided by what the FA and the police told us," says RMI vice-chairman Alan Leach.

Fear of Millwall's notorious minority hooligan element forced the issue but there has been a suggestion that some Leigh fans would boycott Sunday's game, claiming that surrendering home advantage has lessened their chance of pulling off a giant-killing.

Disappointed team boss Steve Waywell admits: "The hooligans have won, no doubt. But from what I understand it was the only sensible decision to be reached after the club was convinced that they could not guarantee the safety of either fans or residents living close to the Hilton Park ground."

Mr Leach adds: "Taking all things into consideration we felt that it was in our fans' best interests to switch the game to the Den.

"It was an amicable agreement between all parties but the over-riding consideration was the safety and security of everyone who would have attended the game."

The take-up of tickets has been disappointing so far with Leigh estimating they will only have around 200 fans cheering them on.

There is a possibility that despite subsidised travel, fans have been put off because of the fears of rivalry between Millwall and Leigh's League neighbours Wigan Athletic.

The only bonus for Leigh is that with a 10,000 crowd expected, they could land a pot of about £60,000.